A Catholic priest named Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu was kidnapped by gunmen in Ejemekwuru, Imo State’s Oguta Local Government Area.
In a statement, Owerri Catholic Archdiocese Secretary and Chancellor Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah confirmed the kidnapping.
Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, was abducted on Sunday while on route to the priests’ yearly retreat, the statement said.
The Chancellor urged prayers for Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu’s safe release, stating that the event happened along Oguta’s Ejemekwuru Road.
The statement read,
“Notification of kidnap and call for prayers. I am directed to inform you that one of our Priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, 23rd March, 2025.
“Rev Fr John Ubaechu is the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe. The sad incident occurred along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area. He was kidnapped on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our Priest.
“We commend our brother, Rev Fr John Ubaechu to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors.”
